Looking back at the Roads End Camp

Date: March 27, 2014

Author: Bobbi Holmes

Every once in a while I’ll receive an email from someone who used to visit Havasu Palms back in its Roads End heyday. I love it when people share their stories with me. Here is an email I received a little over a week ago. I wanted to get his permission before I posted the email. When Mr. Danielson granted his permission, he mentioned he recognized one of the men from the book, and I believe the above photo is the one he was referencing.

I was looking for information on “Roads End Camp” and happened across the website. I read your story. I used to camp there from 1957 through the summer of 1964 with my parents. Have always wanted to go back, but too many wars and interventions got in the way. I’m sure the only things I would recognize now would be the road and Pilot Rock. I once buried “treasure” there, on the sandy shelf in about 4 feet of water . I have ordered your books from Amazon (paperbacks) and looking forward to the old pictures. We used to fish under the bridge and over at Parker Dam. My dad got to know one of the divers that cleaned the underwater gates. He could tell some stories about giant catfish down there. I remember the time we were ‘asked” to leave Squaw Dam because it was on a reservation. We had been going there for years. Vidal Junction was a place at the edge of the world then, the last sign of civilization (well almost). Your sister is right, “…the best of times”.

We never met and I was recovering from my first tour when you first saw Roads End. I get the feeling that the camp (Havasu Palms) became special to you too. I’m sure the family connection played a major role in that; but back then, the way it was, the place could put a spell on you. Reading your story has saddened me, but helped to put a touch of closure too. Knowing what I do now, I wouldn’t want to go back. I’ve never gone back to Pico Rivera since leaving. Too much change, too many memories of how it once was. I once walked across “London Bridge”, before it moved to Arizona!

Thank You,

Joe Danielson, CMS USAF (Ret)

Corned Beef and Cabbage, a Saint Patrick’s Day Tradition

Date: March 17, 2014

Author: Bobbi Holmes

Categories: Bobbi Ann Johnson Holmes

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When I was a kid, Saint Patrick’s Day was about pinches. To survive the day without getting bruised we wore green.

As a young adult, Saint Patrick’s Day became synonymous with green beer. Yet, I’ve never been much of a beer drinker.

It wasn’t until we had a restaurant in Lake Havasu City Arizona – around 1998 – that I had my first traditional Saint Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage. Quite honestly, I think that was the first time I ever had it.
But, I can safely say, we’ve enjoyed it every Saint Patrick’s Day since. While it isn’t a favorite with my husband (yet neither is turkey, but he puts up with that on Thanksgiving) he never complains. Considering how much I like it, he is probably grateful we only have it once a year.

I prefer my mother-in-law’s recipe, so I requested she make it this year (she lives in a guest house on our property) while I agreed to make the red potatoes, cabbage and set the table. Seems like a great deal to me.

If you don’t feel like cooking tonight, and haven’t a mother-in-law willing to make you corned beef and cabbage, I imagine you’ll probably find it today as a lunch or dinner special at more than one of the restaurants you frequent.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Makeshift Pastry Bag for Muffins and Cupcakes

Date: March 15, 2014

Author: Bobbi Holmes

Categories: Bobbi Ann Johnson Holmes

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Now that my alter ego has her most recent book out – and she is starting on her next one – I need to focus some of my energy on completing my cookbook, Recipe Traditions, A New Generation. One thing that has given me a kick in the motivation is the recent release of Miss Terry’s Kitchen, by my friend and professional RVer, Terry Russell. Terry travels with her husband, New York Times bestselling author Nick Russell, and together they publish the Gypsy Journal RV Travel Newspaper.

Terry’s book has been a great success, but I imagine one reason for that is that she is a great cook. She’s been sharing her recipes with readers of the Gypsy Journal RV Travel Newspaper for years.

This morning I made muffins – yet I will have to confess it was more for my mom than research for my cookbook. While making the muffins I decided to take some photos of how I fill my muffin tins, so I could share it with you here

Instead of spooning the mixture into the tin, I prefer filling with a makeshift pastry bag, made from a large plastic zip-lock-like bag. The first thing I do is fit an empty bag into a large measuring cup, and then fill with the mixture. You can see how I did that in the first photo.

After closing the bag while removing any excess air, I cut off one bottom corner of the bag. It’s important not to squish all the mixture to the bottom of the bag before you do this, or you’ll have a mess. You can see what I mean in the middle photo.

I then fill the muffin tin using the bag, operating it like a pastry bag and squirting the mixture in each cup. My third photo is a bit awkward, as I needed an extra hand to hold the bag properly while shooting the photo with my iPad. But, I think you get the idea.